MBTI Type: ISTP

Holmes prides himself on his intelligence and in his system-building; he is forever telling Watson to pay more attention to logic and pull things apart in his mind. He does not share his thoughts until he has formed conclusions, and takes an interest in in-depth detailed information-seeking in many different topics. When Watson cannot figure out Holmes’ analytical problem about what color the bear is outside a hypothetical window, Holmes tells him he must take it apart piece by piece and study each thing individually. When stuck on a problem, Holmes chooses to tinker about in a workshop, and makes some “modifications” to the flying machine that allows it to work properly. Holmes crawls over rooftops, leaps through kitchen windows, and loves to get his hands in the dirt… err, paint and ceramics dust, as the case may be. He leaps at the chance to take out the professor’s flying machine, climbs onto a chandelier to rescue his beloved girlfriend from a cult, and happily engages in swordplay on several occasions; he notices and remembers his environment, often using it easily to make something happen, to take the incident in the way he wants it to go. His intuitive leaps often come from details initially, such as noticing Watson’s initials on his bed, the custard on his lapel, and his “overall shape” (leading him to assume Watson loves to eat custard tarts). Holmes trusts his instincts, and forms conclusions, but does not like to theorize with Watson; he prefers to intellectualize and reach the conclusions himself. He can be a little ‘behind the game,’ much to his own irritation, but engages in riddles for his own amusement. He figures out before Lestrade does that all the murders are connected and is convinced that is the case, even though everyone else argues there’s no reason to suspect foul play. Holmes also shows an abundance of inferior Fe issues, including becoming “over-emotional” under pressure (his professor is always accusing him of falling too hard into his emotions), and having a meltdown when he needs to save Elizabeth from being mummified alive (“Why can’t I think of anything!?” he demands in frustration; “And why can’t YOU think of anything?”). He wants to show up Dudley and receives great enjoyment from the affirmation of the other students; others disbelieving in him, or finding him guilty of cheating troubles him, because he enjoys affirmation from others. Holmes becomes cross, emotionally expressive, and even childish under stress (he wants to break his violin because “I should have learned the damn thing by now!”) When his emotions take over, he goes after the villain to kill him and seek revenge for what happened to someone he loved, rather than rushing her to a hospital.

Enneagram: 5w6 so/sp

Holmes prides himself on his intelligence, but can also be intellectually arrogant, which works against him when he has such good grades in school, the board becomes convinced after another student sets him up as a cheat that his excellent record is proof of his long-term deceit. He hides away in books and in knowledge, in questioning everything, and confidently inserting himself into situations by demanding answers. Holmes manages to insult Lestrade by inferring that he’s lazy and stupid for not looking for a case that could get him promoted to “Inspector.” He remains convinced that he’s right about the accident and suicides being connected, even when he has no proof (but also admits to Watson that a conclusion without proof is worthless). His 6 wing, however, shows up in how readily he makes friends. He eagerly connects to Watson and also Elizabeth, and asks for their help in solving the case (“I can’t do it without you, Watson!”). He is generally likable and well-respected by the students and professors alike at his school. He rarely self-doubts himself, but can become flustered and reactive in intense situations. This Holmes is a clear social type, wanting to engage with other people, show off his superior skills and intellect, and easily making friends.

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